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Astronomy/Other "solar systems"

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Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 2/10/2008


Question
I seem to remember reading that space scientists have seen other stars which seem to have planets orbiting them (or maybe I dreamed it!!).  If this is so, would these be within the Milky Way, or does our Sun seem to be the only one with orbiting planets in the Milky Way?

Thank you.

Answer
In our small area of our Milky Way Galaxy, Astronomers have found about 70 Solar Systems.  AGAIN, that is ONLY in OUR area of the galaxy.

With our Milky Way containing about 200 Billion Stars, there are probably a lot more than we could ever count!

Steve

Astronomy

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Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

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